Simply Bitcoin

Did Bitcoin Epstein Itself?! | Simply Originals

Feb 5, 2026
Expert Interviewee (Bitcoin Insider) — a technical and historical commentator on Bitcoin governance and funding. They explain why donations and institutional ties could not and did not subvert the protocol. Discussion covers leaked Epstein-related donations, market reactions, trust and funding, surveillance risks, and why the protocol kept running despite scandal.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
INSIGHT

News Shocks Prices Not Protocols

  • Public revelations about powerful people triggered a Bitcoin price dip but not a protocol failure.
  • Rustin argues the protocol's resilience matters more than headlines or personalities.
ANECDOTE

Vocal Defense Against Reputation Risk

  • Guest Commentator describes refusing to let Epstein 'rob' humanity of Bitcoin's invention.
  • He pledges to defend Bitcoin's credibility publicly against damaging associations.
INSIGHT

Donations ≠ Protocol Control

  • The leaked files show Epstein donated to MIT and sought ties to early Bitcoin contributors but show no clear control over the protocol.
  • Rustin emphasizes donations and contact don't equate to corrupting Bitcoin's consensus.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app